Friction shock-absorbing mechanism



Mar. 2U, 1923. 1,448,765

J. F. o'coNNoR FRICTION SHOCK APfSORBING MECHANISM Filed June 15, 1921 2 sheets-sheet 1 W Ey ya. 750% Mar. 20, 1923. 1,448,765 J. F. ocoNNQR FRIGTION SHOCK ABsoRBING MECHANISM Filed June 15, 1921 2 sheets-sheet 2 Z4 2J Z0 ,7 H Wwf/lng Umll" /l um ammmmmll l.- `llllll/ Patented Mar. 20, 1923.

UNITED STATES t 1,448,165 PATENT Oferton.

.Tomi r. ooonnon, on omesso, ILLLNoIs, AssrGNon To WILLIAM E. MINER, or CHAZY, NEW YORK.

rnrc'rln sHocx-Ansonme MECHANISM.

Application led .Tune 13,

To (r/l wir om t may] concern Be it known that L Jon-v F. CoNNoR, e, citi'ffen oi' the Vnited States. residing at Chicago. in Ithe countyY ot' Cook and State of Illinois. have invented a certain new and useful improvement in Friction Shock- Absorbingr Mewhairu'sms`y ot' which the 'following is a full` clear, eoncise,and exact de. scription, reference being had to the ac-V companying drawings, forming a part of: this specification. i j

This invention relates to improvements' in trictiou shock absorbingY mechanisms,

is well known by those skilled in the; art of railwayv draft riggngs, the Vspace within which the shock absorliing mechanism pro )er is accommodated is very strictly limited bv rules and regulations of stand-A ardization, the present Aprfutice limiting` such space to a length oft' 24%, a Width beV tween draft sills ot' 1211- a height of approximately 9 and a compression stroke or movement of preferably 2. liotvrith standing the restricted space allowedv for .shock absorbing mechanisms for railway draft riggings. manufacturers are compelled to provide shock absorbing mechanisms which must withstand more severe service conditions from year to year. Service conditions have become very much more severe as compared with those of a few years agro. due to the constant increase in the size of in dividual curs, the increase in load .percer1A the gradual increase in length ot train` 'theV increase in tractive effort and speed of loool motives, and the greater speed demanded in switchingr cars at dump yards. Originally springs afforded suilicient capacity but as` conditions changed. manufacturers resorted. to the use of friction mechanisms and. `in late years efforts have beenconcentrated in developing greater friction. Due to the restricted space in which suchymechanisms are contained. there is necessarily7 a limit to the amount ot material which can be employed and heretofore, the greater capacity of such shock absorbing mechanisms has been obtained by gradually increasing theV stress on the friction elements to obtain greater friction. Obviously there is a limit to which metals can be stressed Without danger ot destruction and, furthermore. on` account of thelnecessity of an instantaneous release oi the mechanism after a compression stroke, great care must be exercised to 1921. Serial N10. 476,989.

avoid increases of stresses and *friction to an extent that will militate againstinproper release. Theoretically. itiis `possible `to ob tain any desired frietional capacity to resist a shock during a compression stroke of the mechanism bv varying the wedgring sondes. llowerer`r the capacity is only one ot the factors of Aa shock absorbing mechanism and another factor which is .equally important t'or a commereiail successful mechanism is` to be able to release instantaneonsllv and restore the parts to normal position without danger of stickingr for the reason that the mechanism may 1be subjected to rapid successive shocks either in the same direction or alternate directions and it a mechanism `did not release instantaueouslv upon the discontinuance of one blow. the next successive blow would not be` cushioned but instead would be trans mitted through a solid column to the underframe oi the car with consequent idestruc tion. Another essential factor in any practical shook absorbing mechanism for rail- Way draft riggings is `a comparativelydow ultimate load" transmitted to the draft sills and iundertrame ot the car. `In other words, Whiie a shock absorbing mechanism may absorb a henry blow or do Work corresponding to many thousand foot pounils. nevertheless. such -Work performedwmust be distributed as uniformly as possible over the entire compression stroke so Aas to avoid any undue peak in the performant-sof the work since any undue'peak or ultimate load transmitted to the draft sills and under-frame oi the car Will very quickly destroy the `latter.- f .fi

It is further recognized in the art that shock absorbing mechanisms must be designed to withstandsuccessfuily the maxiL mum loads to which they may become :sub-` ject from time to time but that suoli maximum loads constitute onlyy u comparatively small percentage of thetotal number oi blows or shocks to which the mechanism 4is subject over any reasonable period of time. That |`is to say, for each unusuallyT severe shock or load to which ashock absorbing mechanism on a railwavcar is subject. there will be fifty .to seventy-live much lighter blows. It therefore follows that a mchanism.. to be entirely successful commercialljiy must not onljar successfully Withstandthe heavy or maximum loads, but also provide lll) Cil

(lll

an easy cushionin action for smaller loads or, stated in ano er manner, must not be stiff in its action under either light or heavy shocks. n

One object of my invention is to provide a. shock absorbing mechanism of the spring friction type which is especially adapted for service in railway draft rig ings, which complies with the standardize restrictions governing space allowed for it on a car and stroke. which is of exceedingly high shock absorbing capacity7 which is provided with an unusual amount of frictional wearing areas. which maintains the pressure on the frictional surfaces at a comparatively small minimum per unit of area to thereby insure long life, which provides for an instantaneous full release, and which insures the ultimateload transmitted to the sills being confined within such limits as to prevent destruction of the underframe structure of the car.

Another object of the invent-ion is to provide a mechanism ot' the character above in dicated wherein are employed wed ing or pressure-creating devices such that t ey are extremely sensitive in producing the necessary pressure duing compression and in instantaneously relieving the pressure upon initiation of the release stroke of the mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide a friction shock absorbing mechanism of the character indicated wherein are employed intercalated and preferably alternated relatively stationary and movable friction plates arranged in an unusually compact manner to the end that the overall length of the stationary and movable plates is reduced to a minimum while at the same time allowing the necessary movement and actuation of the movable plates by direct pushing on opposite ends alternately.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly appear from the description and claims hereinafter following.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, Fig. 1 is a horizontal longitudinal sectional view of a portion of a railway draft rigging showing my improvements in connection therewith. Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 a view similar to Fig. V1 of the shock absorbing mechanism proper but showing the position assumed by thc parts at the end of a full compression stroke. Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view corresponding substantially to the line of Fig. l parts being broken away to better accommodate the figure on the sheet. Figs. 5. 6 and 7 are detail perspectives of one of the stationary friction plates` the spring follower and an anchor block respectively. Figs. 8 and 9 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Referrin first to the construction illustrated in ligs. 1 to 7., 10--10 denote channel draft sills of a railway car to the inner faces of which are secured front stop lugs 11 and rear stop lugs 12. A portion of a draw bar is indicated at 13 the same being operatively connected with the shock absorbing mechanism proper b a hooded cast yoke 14 andcouplerkey 15. he yoke and parts therewithin are supported in operative position by the detachable saddle plate 1G. An ordinary front follower 17 is shown as employed with my construction. The improved shock absorbing mechanism proper as shown. comgrises, broadly, a casting A; twin springs Bg a spring follower C; a. plurality ot relatively stationary friction plates lil-Fi; a plurality of relatively movable friction lates F-F; a wed e G; a pair of wedge riction shoes H--l g anti-friction rollers J--Jg a locking block or bar K and retainer bolts L-L.

The casting A is preferably in the form of a malleable casting and acts as a. column` load-sustaining member and also a lollower member; said casting A is formed with top and bottom walls 17-17, side walls 18u18 and rear vertical connecting wall 19, the latter functioning as the rear follower proper of the draft gear. The side walls 18-18 are relatively short considered lengthwise of the mechanism so as to leave the major portion of the sides of thc casting A. open to permit of the insertion and re moval of the follower C, springs B and block K.

From the preceding description it will bc seen that casting A is formed at its from or outer end with what may be termed a hollow substantially rectangular casing. The top and bottom walls defining said casing are provided with transversely extending ribs 20-20 and transversely extending rear shoulders 21-21. The latter are interrupted or inwardly offset at the center of the casing as indicated at 22-22 for the purpose of accommodating the block K as hereinafter described. The ribs 20 provide forwardly facing transverse shoulders 23 and rearwardly facing shoulders 24-24 to cooperate with corresponding shoulders 123 and 124 on the top and bottom thickened edges of the plates E. The shoulders 21 cooperate with the inner ends or shoulders 121 oi the plates E. With this arrangement, it is evident that the plates E are anchored against longitudinal movement with respect to the casting A but are, however, freely responsive to laterally applied pressure.

lach of the plates E with the exception of the two outermost ones thereof as hereinafter described, is preferably made as best lou lll)

shown in Figures 2 and 5. Each of said plates has the top and bottom edges thereof widened or thickened as indicated at 25--25 so as to render the plate E of substantially I cross-sectionl as shown in Fig. 2. The I cross-section produces longitudinally eX- tending channels or guidevvays 26S- 2G one on each side thereof. At their inner ends. each plate E is cut away with a forwardly slightly taperingf recess 2T for the purpose hereinafter described. the depth oi" the cut away portions 27 being preferably slightly greater' than the full movement allowed the movable plates F.

Thetwo outermost stationary plates E are of the cross-section best indicated in Fig. 2 where it will be noted that the outer sides thereof are left flat or plain except Where notched at the forward end thereof as indicated at 28 in Fig. l to thereby adapt said outermost plates to be suitably seated against the side Walls 18 of the casting A.

The movable plates F are all of like construction and each is of plain rectangular form. The said-plates F Will ordinarily be.

cut in lengths from a suitable rolled strip and in this -connection I prefer that the plates F be so cut from such strips that the rolled edges ofthe strip will come at the front and rear ends of the plates F as indicated at 29 and 30. This minimizes the tendency of the plates F to gouge into those parts of the mechanism which push them back and forth and leaves the sheared edges at the top and bottom which are not subject to any particular amount of pressure or Wear. As shown in Fig. 2. the thickness of the plates F and the depth of the channel groove 26 in plates E will be so proportioned that slight spaces 31 Will be left between the thickened edges of the plates E so as to provide for wear on the friction surfaces and always allow all of the plates to respond freely to laterally or transversely applied pressure. As lwill be evident from an inspection of Fig. 3, the length of the stationary plates is preferably slightly longer than that of the movable plates although the stationary and movable plates may be made of equal length.

In carrying out my invention, I preferably separate the intercalated friction plates into two laterally spaced groups so as to leave an intermediatespace to accommodate the wedging or pressure-creating system. The` latter, as shown. comprises the wedge (l. the rollers ,I and shoes H. The Wedge i has direct bearing` at its outer end against the follower 17 and at its inner cnd is provided with a pair of inwardly converging' roller wedge seats At the inner end of each seat 32 is a limitingshoulder S3 for the corresponding roller J as will he understood Each of the Wedge friction shoes H is formed on its outer sidevvith :i

longitudinally extending flat surface 34 :ind on its inner side with a wedge roller seat. 35 opposed to the corresponding seat 32. In addition. each shoe Il is formed with uppcr and louer inwardly extended Hannes i235 135 (see Fig. 2) which straddle the roller and. prevent the latter from moving lengthwise. In this connection it will be noted that there is no limiting shoulder for the rollers on the shoes H. Hence the roller seats 35 may be finished accurately.` Without difliculty. notwithstanding the fatt that the finishing tool must be accommodated bctween the Hanges 1535-135.

The spring follower (l is suiiiciently elongated so that it provides :i bearingr for the forward ends of both of thc springs B. At the saule time, its length is reduced so that it may bc accommodated Within all of the Walls defining said casing and have the rear face 36 thereof lie flush with thc inner edges ofthe side walls 18 of the casting A. On its forward side, as best shown in Fig. 6, the follower C is provided with transversely extending Hannes 37u37 and with laterally spaced vertically extending; hollow shoulders or ribs 38-38- The Hauses 3i' are adapted to be accommodated within thc recesses 2T of the stationary plates E as clearly shown in Fig. l. so that the foi- Ward edges of said flanges 37 may ene-ngc the inner edges Il() of the movable pates F during the release action to push the latter outwardly. The hollow ribs 38 provide hearings for the inner ends of the shoes ll. The hollow ribs 3S are laterally separated so that they may straddle the lockingi block Ii; and allow relative longitudinal movement therebetween as shown in Fig. l.

The locking` block K extends vertically of the castinga A and is iia-nged as indicated :it S9-39 at thc top and bottoni thereof. said iang'cs boing' adapted to engage the transverse ribs 2li- 20 at the center of thc latter so that the block K is thereby limited in its out-Ward movement with res )ect to the casting A. As heretofore dcscrilicd. there are interruptions or offsets 22 in .shoulders 2i. as shown liest in Figures l and '1- so that said block K is alloived a limited amount of longitudinal movement with rcspect to thc casting A.. The block l( is provided with upper and lower apertures L'l0-4U to accommodate the retainer bolts Il. the heads of theglatter ei'igaging against the rear side of fluxe block K as shown in Fig. 4. The wedge (l is longitudinallv recessed alongr its top and bottoni faces as indicated at il il in Fig. 2 to 'also accommodate the bolts L the nuts on the latter heing accommodated in suitable pockets 42442 in wedge (i as shown in Fig. 4. With this arrangement. thc Wedge G is limited in its outward movement relatively to the casting A and hence the parts may beheld in as'- z-einbled relation and, if desired. the springs placed ander an initial compression to therehv aaromaties-ill;- eompensate Vtor wear when the mechanism is in service. The operation of the mechanism is as Vfollows and in this eonneetion it will be noted that the from follower IT is normali)v slightlyY spaced trom the l'orwarfl ends /Ytl ot the movable plates l* this spacing: preferably approximateliv one-haii" :in inch. Assuming an iiio'ard or halting' movement ol the draw har. it' is evident tlzit the 1teilw-.rer 1T will be forced inrvardh1 therein,r moving' the wedge t simultaneously and unilornil;Y therewith. Duringv the first halt inch movement ol 'the t'ollon'er li and wedge in no aetuation ot the` plates l" will take place but on the erintrai-1,` the entire wedninn system ineliuling` the lwedge (i. rollers l and shoes lll. together with the springsr Al'ollower C. will be moved longitudinally innardly of the eastin.;r inde|iendentljv of ein.r movement ot the plates t@ During this tiret part :it the ronipression sti-olie. it ev'ident that the spl-inten t'c'illou'er will be removed trom eu- `agement with tlnI inner ends ot' the dates l" and furthermore that the wedging or spreading action will he set un due to the resistance afforded le; springs B reacting through the follower C. By this construetion. the desired amount ot' wcdging action eau be determined and limited and the desired pressure between the stationary and movable plates ereated prior to morenient ot' the plates l". it `will la noted that the limit ot' this pressure determined hy the ,springs B and is not determined by the torce ot the blow transmitted from the dran' bar.

lter the. tiret halt inch nimenientV ot the follower i7 and a'lter the desired wedgingf action has been set up. the follower engages the plates F and thereafter the latter more in unison with the follower i7, thus `ener-atingr the desired trictional capacity supplemental to the springY capacity. t this point l desire to tall attention to the l'act that while the recesses QT in the stationary plates E cause a certain loss of friction area. the loss is comparatively small coin- ;iared to the entire amount ot area provided and does not militate against the ellieienc)Y of the mechanism.

Upon removal of the actuating torce. the springs are free to expand and in so doinfr 'oree the follower (l outwardly Whit-li in tln'n projects the shoes ll and Wedge (l outwardl)v rela/nivel)Y to all oi' the iriction Iolates. This action is instantaneousand extri-mel)V sensitive 'tor the reason that there is no movement ot' an)Y et the trietioniilates d uriner the initial part ot the release action and also on aceount of the anti-friction rollers eniployed between the parte ot the Wedging system. After the Collapse ot' the wednfinnr system and forcing' of the same outwardly the iiniited distance above mentioned. the pressure on the trietion plates will have been redneed to `sulistantifilly the minimum and unen the liang'es lli' coming into engagement with the inner edges 3U of the plates il, the latter mayY he easilyv projected outwardly to their normal position.

By eniployine the arrangement shown it s evident that l maintain at. a minimum. iV-oniiiression stresses on the rollers. and shoe-` and hence avoid all danot crushing or deformation ot any of parts. While the mechanism has an misma` great 'work-alimrhing Capacity. erertiieless the ultimate or peak load dura eomoression stroke which is transto me uinleri'ranie is kept well betlulse now occurring in manyY types ol' eonunereial 1li-att 4gears employed on railu'a'i' ears. This is because ot the large amount o|` wearing arcas employed and the 'l'aet that the work is done at substantially unitorin rate tl'irouthout the entire length wi' the eonipression stroke. llt will further he observed that.` anyY small shoek and partieularliy the multitude ot small shocks resulting; from surging' ol' cars in a train, may be absorbed without any actuation of the triction plates and merelyY by the springs act.- uated through the pressure creating syslern,

llelerrinl;r next to the construction illustrated in Figs. l and 9, the arrangement is `:renin-all)Y the saine as that hereinbetore described in detail exeept that the castingr il. is eut awajr at its forward end on the outer side thereot' as indicated at 60 and the folloner '117 provided with a telescopingr tienne tilt. W'ith this arrangement l am en'- :diled to enclose all ot' the active parts of the triatlon mechanism to prevent deterioration from the weather and also prevent tampering' with an)Y ol the parts. In Figs. o and 5). l have also shown a somewhat different edgingr system consistingl of two like wedge liloeks l--t the same being oppositel)Y arranged, larh oi' said blocks G is formed on the outer side with two recesses (l2-4l@ to fu'fcomniodate a pair ot anti-frietion rollers lffl'l n'hieh roll directly upon the adjacent movable Alrietion plates F. An additional anti-friction roller 63 is employed hetween the two wedge blocks G so that the wedvgjinf system is not only anti- Irictionall)v mounted with respect to the l'rietiou plates` but the parts of the system are also anti-'lirictionalIy mounted With respeft to each other. (lue block tl is direetl \v aetuated by Yl'ollou'er ll'T and the other has direct hearing asainst the spring follower (l. The arrangement of stationaryr and movable plates is the same as in the other eonstruction described.

'I have herein shown and described what I non' consider the preferred manner of carrylili ltltl LIll mums

ing out the invention but 1the same is merely illustrative and I contemplate all ychan'rgfes and modifications that come Within "the scope of the claims appended hereto.

I claim:

l. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism. the combination with a load-sustaining member; of a plurality on intercailnted relatively longitudinally movable and immovable friction elements mounted on said member and responsive to pressure nf pili'ed transversely thereof. said immer-ab e e'lements being as longr as the movable elements and one set of ends of movable elements normally extended outwardly liejvond the corresponding; set of ends of the immovable elements: a combined cushioning and restoring spring resistance; an outer follower movable rela-tively toward' and from said member and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push the movailfile flrietion elements duringr a compression stroke; means. actuated upon relative zryliproach of said Jf'olloiver and member. arranged to increase the pressure transversely against and between said intercalalted `friction elements: and means for extending pasttbe inner ends of the fixed pla-tes for engaging the opposite ends of said movable friction elements to push them back to normal position duringY release of the mechanism.

2. In a friction shock absorbingr meebanism. the combination with a loadingrsustaining member; of a plurality of inter calated relatively longitudinally movable and immovable friction elements mounted on said member and responsive to pressure a plied transversely thereof. said immova le elements being` as long as the movable elements and one set of ends of the latter being normally exts'endedY beyond the correspondinsg` set oi' ends ol* the immovable elements: a combined' cushioning and restoring springr resistance: an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said member and adapted ro engage said extended ends of and push the movable friction elements during a compression stroke: means, actuated upon relative approach ol said follower and member. arranged to increase the pressure transversely against and between said intercalated friction elements; and means for engafrinpr the opposite ends ol?V said movable friction elements to push them. bark to normal position during: the release of the mechanism. said immovable friction elements being partially cut away to accommodate said last named means in nmvements relatively to said. immovable friction elements.

il. ln a friction shock absorbing mechanism.y the combination with a load-sustaining member: ot' a plurality ol' interrelated' relatively longitudinally movable and imimovable friction elements mounted on saidf member and responsive to 'pressure applied transversely thereof, said immovable 'elements being as long as the 'movable'lements and one set of ends of movable elements Vnormally extended outward -v beyond the corresponding set oli' ends of t e imi'no-va-ble lelements; a combined cushioning and restoring s ring resistance; an outer follewer move "le relatively toward 'and y, from said mei/uber and adapted to engage said :extended ends of and push the movable frirtion elements during' a compression stroke: means, actuated upon relative approach of said follower' and member, arranged to increase the pressure *transversely agfffinst and between said i'ntefrca'labed friction elements; and a spring follower interposed between said spring resistance and Vthe opposite 'ends of said movable frietilonele'me'nts and having means thereon extending beyond the inner ends of said immovableplaftes to engage the opposite ends o1 the movable plates to push their: back to normal position duri-n; release of the mechanism.

4. In a. Jfriction shock absorbingr merlianism, the combination with a load-sustaining' member; of a. plurality of inter'ca'flaicd relatively longitudinally movable and irnrnovable friction elements mounted on said member and responsive to pressure applied transversely thereof; said iiim'novabile elements being as long as the movable elements and one set of ends of the latter being normally extended beyond the correspondingr set of ends of the immovable elements: a combined cushioning and restoring;P spring resistance; anl outer follower movable rela`m tively tower-d and from said member and adapted to engage' said extended ends of and push the movable friction elements during a compression Stroke; means. actuated upon relative approach of said follower and member. arranged to increase the pressure trans versely against and between said intercalated friction elements: and' a spring follower interposed between said spring resist ance and the opposite ends of said movable friction elements and arranged to engage the opposite ends of the latter to push' tllelrr back to normal position during release of the mechanism, said spring! follower having extensioneV on the sii-3de adjcent the' plates and the immovable plates Being ont :may to accommodate said extensions.

5. In a fcsionshoclg absorbing mechanism, the combination a loadlsustainin toernber; of e pluralityof interrelated re atvely longitudinally movable and immovable friction elementsl mounted on said member and responsive to pressure applied transversely thereof, sind inmevarrle elements naineY as' lon es the movable elements and one ser of en s of movalvie elements" not'r'rrally extended'V outwardly beyond the corresponding ser oil' emisor the immovable elemente; a! combined cushionin and restoring spring resistanee: an outer llower movable relativelv toward and from said member and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push the movable friction elements during a Compression stroke; means, actuated upon relative approach-of said follower and membr. arranged to increase the pressure transverselv against and between said interealated frietion elements; and means for eng-aging;- the opposite ends of said movable irietion elements to push them bark to normal position durin release o' the mechanism. said means inclu ing engaging elements overlappiimr said immovable i'rietion elements` both olf said followers and pressure-creating means being adapted for a limited amount of movement longitudinally and independent of said movable friction elements.

6. In a friction shock absorbingl meehanism, the eombination with a load-sustaining member; oi: a plurality ot intrrealatefl relatively longitudinally movable and immovable frirtion elements mounted on said member and responsive to presi-ure applied transversely thereof, said immovable elements being as loin;r as the movable elements and one set of ends of the` latter being normally extended bevond the eorresponding set of ends of the immovable elements; a combined cushioniirgr and restoring springresistance; an outer follower mi fable relativel)T toward and from said member and adapted to engage said extended ends olf and push the movable friction elements during a compression stroke; means. aetnated upon relative approach of said follower and member. arranged to inerease the pressure transverselv against and between said inter- Calated friotion elements: and a. sprintr tolloWer interposed between said sprimzre- Sistanee and the movable frietion elementsr said spring follower ha vine; extensions therefrom on the eide adjaeent the friction elements and the immovable Tril-tion elements being recessed to accommodate said extensions, both of said followers and pressurecreating means being adapted lor a limitrd amount of movement longitudinally and independent. oi said movable trietion elements 7. In a friction shoek absorbing' meehanism, the Combination with a member baving a hollow easing: of a plurality oi interealated relatively longitudinallvv movabln and immovable friction elements mounted within said easing, said elements being;i divided into two separate groups and all of the elements being responsive to pressure applied transverse to the line of relative movement. said immovable elements beine; as long as the movable elements and one set of ends of the movable elements normallv extending outwardly bevond the eorresoonding set of ends of the immovable elements: acombined cushioning and restoringr springt resistance; an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said member and adapted to engage said extended ends ol" and push the movable tric-tion elements inwardly of the easingI during a compression stroke: means, located between said groups and ai tuated upon relative approaeh ol' said iollower and member` arranged to augment the pressure on said elements transverse to their line of relative movement: and means overlapping' the said immovable elements for direetlv engaging the oppositey ends of the movable trietion elements in both groeps io push them bael; lo normal position during;A the release aetion of the meehanism.

8. In a friction shook ahsorhingg4 meehanism, the combination ith a member ha vinar a hollow easing; of a plnraht;Y ot"- inter- Calated relatively longitudinallv movable and immovable friction elements mounted within said easing', said elements being divided into two separate groups and all ot the elements being responsive to pressure applied transverse to the line of relative movement, said immovable elements bein;r as long as the movable elements and one sel of ends ot' the latter normally extenfvling outwardly bevond the r'orresponding set of ends of the immovable elements: a eombined cushioningi and restoringF spring resistanee: an outer follower movable relatively toward and trom said member and adapted to engage said extended ends ol and push the movable trietion elements inwardly of the easing during` a eompression stroke: means, loeated between said groups and artuated upon relative approaeh of said follower and member` arranged tot au ement the pressure on said elements transverse to their line ol' relative movement: and means Ylor direetlv engaging the opposite ends oi' the movable 'rietion elements in both Qjroui'w to push them haelt to normal position lnringlV the release aetion oi'Y the u'ierhanisin. said immovable l'rietion elements beiner parliallv out away to aeeommodate said las! named means.

il. In a l'rielion shoek absorbiiuf meehauism. the f -omliinalion with a member haviiitf a hollow maine: oi a pluralit'v of interealated relalivelv lrvauritudiuallv movable aud immovable irietiou elements mounted within said ras-iwff said elements being divided iuto loro separate frroups and all of the elements leingr responsive lo pressure applied trani-Iverse io the line eit relative niowment said immovable elements beiner as lone' as the movable, elements and one set oF eirls oiI the movable elements norniallv e villini." outivsrillv bevond the eorrespoi'idiuo sei' ol ends oi the immovable elements: a J-ou'ibinifd eus-:bioaiinir and restorintr spring' resistanee: an outer Vfollower movable relntivelv toward and from said member and adapted to engage said e3:-

loo

lllfi lao Lasagna tended ends of and push the movable frietion elements inwardly of the easingV durin,"lr a compression stroke; means, located between said groups and aetnated upon relative approach of said follower and n'iemliier. arranged to augment; the pressure on said elements transverse to their line of relative movement: and a springv follower interlliosed between said spring! resistance and the inner ends of the friction elements. said spring' follower having' extensions therefrom on the side adiaeent the friction elements.. said extensions overlapping ends of said immovable plates and arranged to engage the inner ends of the movable friction elements.

1U. ln a friction shock absorbingmechanism. the combination with a member having' a hollow easing: of a pluralityv of intercalated relatively7 lonnitudinallv movable and immovable friction elements mounted within said easing, said elements being); divided into two separate `-eroups and all of the elements being responsive to pressure applied transverse to the line of relative movement. said immovable elements be in.;r as loneV as the niovable elements and one set of ends of the latter norn'iallv extendine,r oiit\vartliy bevond the correspondine1l set of ends of the immo fable elements; a combined cushioning and restoring: springr resistance; an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said member and adapt/ed to engage said extended ends of and push 'the movable friction elements in wardlv of the easingr during a eompression stroke; means, loeated between said l: lrroups and aetuated upon relatively approach of said follower and member.y arranged to augment the pressure on said elements transverse to their line of relative movement; and a spring: follower interposed between said spring' resistance and the inner ends ol' the frietion elements, said spring l'ollower havingr extensions therefrom on the side adjacent the friction elements. said extensions being;l arranged to engage the inner ends of the movable friction elements, said immovable friction elements being out awav to accommodate said extensions.

ll. In a friction shock absorbinga mechanism. the combination with a member liaving' a hollow casing; of a pluralityr of interealated relatively longitudinali;T movable and immovable friction elements mounted within said easing. said elements beiner divided into two separate groups and all of the elements being responsive to pressure applied transverse to the line of relative movement. said immovable elements beingr as long as the movable elements and one. set of ends of the movable elements normalhr extending outwardlv bevond the corresponding set of ends of the immovable elements; a -eornliainfal cushioning and restoringr spring resistance: an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said member and adapted to engage said extend ed ends of and push the movable friction elements Vinwardlv of the f'asinr during a '0 compression stroke; means. located between said Igroups and actuated upon relative approach of said follower and member. arranged to augment the pressure on said elements transverse to their line of rela- 7i? tive movement: and means overlapping! said immovable elements for direct-lv engaeing the opposite ends of the movable friction elements in both If froups to push them haelt to normal position duringr the release action Q9 and immovable frietion elements mounted 9,9

within said easing, said elements being divided into two separate groups and' all of the elements being responsive to pressure applied transverse to the line of relative movement. said ii'nmovaible elements beiner 95? as long as the movable elements and one set of ends of the movable elements normallv extending outwardly" beyond the corresponding-ir set of ends of the immovable elements.'

combined cushioning and restoringlr spring lon resistance; an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said member and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push the movable friction elements inwardly of the easing during a con'ipression stroke; means, located between said groups and actuated upon relative approach of said follower and member. arranged to augment the pressure on said elements transverse to their line of relativo movementsr and a springir follower interposed between said'sprinnr resistance and the inner ends of the frietion elements. said spring follower havingF extensions therefroml on the side adjacent thv friction elements. said extensions being ar ranged to engage' the inner ends of the movable friction elements. and overlap the ends of said immovable elements. both of said followers and pressure-creating means having a limited amount of movement longitu- 120 dinallv and independently of said movable friction elements,

13. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a castingv having a hollow easing at one end and a spring 125 cage7 said member being: adapted to funetion as a follower: of a plurality of rela tivelyv stationary friction plates anchored within said easing against longitudinal more ment; a plurality of friction plates movable longitudinally of said stationary plates and within the casing, said stationary plates being as long as the movable plates and the movable plates having their outer ends normally projecting outwardly1 beyond the corresponding ends ot' said stationary plates and outside of the casing. said stationary and movable plates being alternated and divided into two separate groups; a spring resistance within said cage; an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said casting and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push said movable plates inwardly of the casing during a compression stroke; means located between said groups and actuated upon relative approach of said follower and casting arranged to increase the transverse pressure on both. of said groups of plates: and means, overlapping said stationary friction plates and actuated by the spring resistance during release movement for directly engaging the inner ends of said movable friction plates in both grong'is to push the movable plates back to normal position.

H. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism. the combination with a casting having a hollow casing at one end and a spring caga said member beingr adapted to function as a follower: of a plurality of relatively stationary friction plates anchored within said casing against longitudinal movement; a plurality of friction plates movable longitudinally of said stationary plates and within the casing, said stationary plates being as long as the movable plates and the latter having their outer ends normallyr projecting beyond the corresponding ends of said stationary plates and outside of the casing, said stationary and movable plates being lilternated and divided into two separate groups a spring resistance within said cage: an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said casting and adapted to engage said. extended ends of and push said movable plates inwardly of the casing during a compression stroke; means located between said groups and actuated upon relative approach of said follower and castingr arranged to increase the transverse pressure on both of said groups of plates; and means, actuated by the spring resistance during release movement for directly engaging the inner ends of said movable friction plates in both groups to push the movable plates back to normal position, said stationary plates being cut away to accommodate said last named means.

l5. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism. the combination with a casting having a hollow casing at one end and a spring cage, said member being adapted to function as a follower; of a plurality of relatively stationary friction plates anchored within said casing against longitudinal movement; a plurality of friction plates movable longitudinally of said stationary plates and within the casing, said stationary plates being as long as the movable plates and the latter having their outer ends normally projecting beyond the corresponding ends of said stationary plates and outside of the casing, said stationary and movable plates being alternated and divided into two separate groups; a spring resistance within said cage: :in outer follower movable relatively toward and from said casting and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push said movable plates inwardly of the casing during a compression strolre; means located between said groups and actuated upon relativo approach of said follower and casting arranged to increase the transverse pressure on both of said groups of plates; and a spring follower interposed between said springr resistance and the friction plates, said spring follower having forward extensions on. each end thereof arranged to engage the inner ends of said movable friction plates of both groups during release movement, the stationary plates being cnt away to accomodate said extensions.

i6. In a friction shock absorbing mechanismf the combination with a casting having a hollow casing at one end and a spring cage; said member being adapted to function :is a follower: of a plurality of relatively stationary friction plates anchored within said casing against longitudinal movement; a plurality of friction plates movable longitudinally of said stationary plates and within the casing, said stationary plates being as long as the movable plates and the movable plates having their outer ends normally projecting outwardly beyond the corresponding ends of said stationary plates and outside of the casing` said stationary and movable l'ilates being alternated and divided 'into lwo separato groups; a spring resistance within said cago: an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said casting and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push said movable plates inwardly of the easing during a compression strokc; means located between said groups and actuated upon relative approach of said follower and casting arranged to increase the transverse pressure on both of said groups of plates; and means. overlapping said stationary friction plates and actiiated by the spring resistance during release movement for directly engaging the inner ends ol' said movable friction plates in both groups to push the movable plates back to normal position, said last named means, follower and pressure-creating means being movable as a unit for a limited distance independent of said movable friction plates.

17. In a friction shock absorbing mechanism, the combination with a (fasting having a hollow easing at one end and a spring cage, said member being adapted to function as a follower; of a plurality of relatively stationary friction plates anchored within said casing against longitudinal movement; a plurality of friction plates movable longitudinally of said stationary plates and within the casing, said stationary plates being as long as the movable plates and the latter havingl their outer ends normally projecting beyond the corresponding ends of said stationary plates and outside of the casing` said stationary and movable plates being alternated and divided into two separate groups; a spring resistance within said cage; an outer follower movable relatively toward and from said casting and adapted to engage said extended ends of and push said movable plates inwardly of the casing during a compression stroke; means located between said groups and actuated upon relative approach of said follower and casting arranged to increase the transverse pressure on both of said groups of plates; and a spring follower interposed between said spring resistance and the friction plates, said spring follower having forward extensions on each end thereof arranged to engage the inner ends of said movable friction plates of both groups during release movement, the stationary plates being cut away to accomodate said extensions, both of said followers and the pressure-creating means being movable as a unit for a limited distance longitudinally and independently of said movable plates during compression and release movement.

In witness that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto subscribed my name this 9th day of June, 1921.

JoHN r. oooNNoR.

Witnesses CARRIE GAILING, ANN BAKER. 

